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Ask an expert advisor

Kenwood's KDC-HD548U CD receiver brings the great sound and features of HD Radio® to your car. Since the HD Radio tuner is built in, you'll have no installation worries — just install the receiver and start tuning in great-sounding radio.

Step up your game on the radio waves
HD Radio's sonic advantages are impressive enough — FM broadcasts approach the sound quality of CDs, while AM is as good as what you're now used to with FM. But you'll also appreciate these other advantages. If your local HD Radio station employs multicasting, this Kenwood allows you to tune into multiple channels on the same frequency, so you'll have more entertainment choices. Plus, once you connect your iPod® to the receiver, iTunes® tagging lets you save song info, so you can purchase tracks you enjoy later on iTunes — a nice bonus.

Plenty of options for when you're not enjoying the radio
You'll find the front-panel auxiliary and USB inputs handy for connecting your iPod and other sound sources. Once your iPod's plugged in, you can take command of your playlists with a variety of tools, including dedicated Search and Return keys that'll make it easy to get to the tracks and playlists you want to hear. Also, you can set the front preset buttons for several sources, so you can access your iPod, an HD Radio station, AM, or FM with a single touch.

Outstanding sound quality too
You'll be impressed with this Kenwood's built-in MOSFET amp's clean power, so turn your tunes up as much as you want. You can use the 3-band equalizer to tweak the highs, mids, and lows, while the preset EQ curves let you shift quickly to a tone setting that matches your music.

Add on and enjoy
If you're ultimately planning to build a complete system, you'll appreciate the three sets of preamp outputs for connecting and controlling a full setup of external amps and subs. A phase control and a low-pass filter let you adjust for your subwoofer for optimal sound.

Want to keep your car's steering wheel audio controls?
In most vehicles, you can use an adapter to connect your vehicle's steering wheel controls to this Kenwood stereo. Connect a few wires, then program the adapter for your particular car and this Kenwood, and you'll retain the convenience of your steering wheel controls. Check the "Accessories" tab for compatible adapters.

Note: If you're going to use your iPod with this receiver, be sure to check "Details" for specific iPod model compatibility with this receiver.

Other info:

Why replace your factory radio?

Two good reasons - sound quality and cool features. A new car stereo offers power that's superior to most factory radios, along with more sophisticated tone controls. And most car stereos offer built-in or optional features that add safety and fun to life in your car, including inputs for your iPod or MP3 player, Bluetooth connectivity for hands-free cell phone calls, satellite radio or HD Radio reception, and connections for building an audio system in your car.

Display Features

Detachable Face: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U features a single
front loading CD face that detaches from the chassis to deter theft. The
headunit includes a cloth pouch for storing the face-plate when detached. A
face-fixing screw is supplied for making the face non-detachable, if desired.

Note: An optional soft face case (142DFC1X,
sold separately) can also be purchased for this unit.

Display Illumination/Clock Display: When the unit is in
Standby mode, the face/button illumination is "keyed." In addition, while the
unit is in Standby mode, you can turn the clock display on or off. When the
Clock Display is turned on and the unit is in Standby mode, the Clock Display is
also "keyed." Pressing and holding the source button turns the unit off
completely.

Display Dimmer: The display has two brightness settings to
adjust the brightness of the display according to the surrounding illumination.
You can change this setting within the menu from On or Off.

Demo Mode: This unit features a Demo mode which can be
turned "on" or "off" within the menu.

Audio Section

MOSFET Amplifier: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U is equipped with a
MOSFET amplifier. Compared to conventional power supplies, the MOSFET
amplification circuit is smaller and more efficient, and it delivers increased
power with less distortion and absolutely zero on/off switching noise. More
power means louder and cleaner music at higher volumes because you're not
pushing the limits of the amplification circuit. The power output specs for the
KDC-HD548U are as follows:

Rotary Volume Control: The CD receiver uses a 3-way rotary
volume control that increases and decreases the volume of the stereo from 0 to
35. The rotary knob also controls other audio settings such as Balance, Fader,
Bass, Mid, Treble and preset EQ settings. In addition, the rotary knob allows
you to scroll through and select your music tracks when the Music Search
function is activated.

Volume Offset: The level of each source may be independently
adjusted to prevent radical leaps in output volume when switching from one
source to another. The available settings range from -8 to 0 (-8 to +8 for Aux
source).

Speaker Settings: The Speaker Setting function tailors the
System Q Sound Control settings according to the type of speakers in your
vehicle. You may select a Speaker Setting of "SP Off" (flat), "SP OEM" (for OEM
factory speaker systems), "SP 6x9/6" (for systems with 6" and 6"x9" speakers),
or "SP 5/4" (for systems with 4" and 5" speakers).

System Q Sound Control: Eight EQ curves are preset into
memory, allowing you to recall the best preset EQ curve for different types of
music. Each preset has its own level settings for bass (100Hz), midrange (1kHz),
and treble (10kHz). You can choose from the following preset EQ curves - Rock,
Pops, Easy, Top 40, Jazz, Natural, Game, and User.

Bass Boost: The Kenwood CD receiver also features a Bass
Boost control that can be set to the following levels - LV11, LV2 or Off.

Source Tone Memory: This feature allows you to store System
Q bass, middle and treble tone settings for each source (CD, Tuner, Aux, and
USB).

Supreme Setting: When MP3, WMA, and AAC files encoded at a low bit
rate (less than 96 kbps, 44.1k, 48kHz) are played, the Supreme Setting function
restores their high frequencies so the sound quality is closer to files encoded
at a high bit rate. The processing is optimized for the compression format and
the bit rate used. When the Supreme Setting is Off, the unit plays the original
sound stored in the audio file.

6ch/2.0V Preamp Outputs: The KDC-HD548U features front,
rear and subwoofer 2.0-volt preamp outputs. The front and rear speaker preamp outputs are
balance and fade adjustable. The subwoofer preamp output is non-fading. The
front, rear and subwoofer preamp outputs are all fixed to the rear chassis of
the headunit. The subwoofer preamp output offers the following controls:

Low Pass Filter: The receiver features a built-in Low
Pass Filter control for the preamp-output when the output is set to Sub. You
can select from 85Hz, 120Hz, 160Hz or Through (Off).

Subwoofer Phase: You can also adjust the phase of the
subwoofer output between 180-degrees (Reverse) or 0-degrees (Normal).

Subwoofer Level: Once you have switched the preamp
output to "subwoofer" you can independently control the subwoofer preamp
output level from the CD receiver. You select levels between -15 to +15.

Tel Mute: The KDC-HD548U features a cell-phone mute wire
(brown) in its harness that when hooked up to your car's phone system mute wire
will automatically mute the receiver's audio signal when a call comes in.

Key Beep: The in-dash headunit provides an audible beep to
confirm button operation. This function can be turned On or Off.

Radio Functions

Built-In HD Tuner: With its built-in HD Radio tuner, you can receive digital AM/FM broadcasts from
local stations where available. HD Radio significantly improves AM/FM audio
quality and reception, as well as includes information such as artist name and
song titles or traffic news, viewable on the receiver's display. HD Radio
Technology will deliver high-quality digital sound. AM digital will have FM-like
quality in stereo (70dB SN @ 40-15kHz), while FM digital will have CD-like quality
(70 dB SN @ 20-20kHz) with static free
and clear reception. The unit's built-in HD Radio tuner allows analog AM/FM
tuning as well.

Note: HD Radio is the system for digital AM and FM
broadcasting in the U.S. More than 2,000 radio stations are broadcasting
their primary signals in digital HD Radio technology, as a free service. Go
to HDRadio.com to check for HD Radio stations in your area.

Station Text: AM/FM digital stations can offer text and data
such as artist names and song titles.

Multicasting: Many HD Radio stations also offer more than one channel
of programming. This service is called multicasting.

Normal: You can store 6 presets for each AM/FM bank
giving you a total of 18 FM presets and 6 AM presets (total of 24).

Mix: A total of of 6 stations can be assigned to a total of 6 preset buttons, regardless of
AM/FM band and connected Satellite Radio tuner. You can recall a preset station
without switching between bands.

Auto Memory Tuning: Not only does the CD receiver's tuner
allow you manually enter your desired presets you can choose to have the unit
automatically put stations with good reception in the memory banks
automatically; this is a handy feature when traveling.

Tuning Modes: You can choose one of three tuning modes: Auto 1 (seek
tuning), Auto 2 (cycles through and tunes the selected band's preset stations
only with each button press), or Manual.

Note: You can
also setup the KDC-HD548U to search only HD Radio
stations.

Direct Tuning: You can tune in a desired AM/FM radio station directly
by entering the frequency number using the included remote control.

Disc Playback

Disc Compatibility: The unit features a single disc player
that will playback CD-Audio, CD-Text, and finalized CD-R/CD-RW audio discs.

MP3/WMA/AAC Playback: The KDC-HD548U can play MP3 (8-320
kbps), WMA (32-192 kbps), and AAC (8-320 kbps) files recorded on CD-ROM, CD-R,
and CD-RW discs in ISO9660 Level 1/Level 2, Joliet, Romeo, and Long file name
formats. Each disc should have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 50 folders, and
255 files per folder with a maximum of 512 files and folders. During MP3/WMA/AAC
playback, the unit displays recorded ID3 Tag (ver. 1.x/2.x) information.
The headunit will display up to 60 characters.

Text Scroll: The KDC-HD548U will display CD text or Audio
file text. You can set the text scrolling feature to two different modes (Auto
or Manual) to scroll longer titles across the screen.

Music Search: The Kenwood AM/FM CD receiver features a Music
Search feature which allows you to scroll through and select your MP3/WMA/AAC
music folders and files, as well as scroll through your audio CD's music tracks
using the headunit's rotary knob.

Direct Music Search: The supplied IR wireless remote control
(RC-405) allows you to search for music directly by entering the track number.

Playback Modes: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U features the
following Repeat, Random, and Scan playback modes.

Repeat Play: Track, File, or Folder

Random Play: Disc or Folder

Scan Play: Track or File (plays the first 10-seconds of
each music track on a disc or music file in a folder)

Last Position Memory: If the unit is shut off or switched to
the tuner mode while a CD is playing, the next time CD is selected as the
source, playback will resume from the point where it left off.

CD Read: This function sets the method for reading a CD
disc. You can choose between two modes.

CD1: Automatically distinguishes between audio file
disc and music CD when playing a CD, CD-R/RW disc.

CD2: When unable to play a special formatted CD, set
this function to CD2 to force playing. Some music CD discs may be
unplayable even when set to this mode.

Off Insert/Eject: A CD disc can be inserted or ejected with
the power off. When a disc is inserted with the power off, the unit will
automatically power up and begin playback.

USB/iPod/Aux Connectivity

USB Port: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U features a front-panel
USB (1.1/2.0) type-A port that is hidden behind a sliding
cover. The USB port enables connection and control of a portable USB
mass-storage class device with MP3 (8-320 kbps), WMA (32-192 kbps), and AAC
(8-320 kbps) music files. The USB port is compatible with all USB mass storage
class devices that support the FAT16 or FAT32 file system. Your USB device
should only have a maximum of 8 directory levels, 255 folders, and 255 files per
folder with a maximum of 65,025 files and folders. During MP3/WMA/AAC playback,
the unit displays recorded ID3 Tag (ver. 1.x/2.x) information. The headunit
will display up to 60 characters. When your USB device is connected to this
unit, it can be charged up provided that the KDC-HD548U is powered on.

Note: You cannot connect a USB device via a USB hub or
Multi-Card Reader to this unit.

iPod/iPhone Direct Connection: The KDC-HD548U's front-panel
USB port also acts as an iPod/iPhone high-speed direct connection when used with
the optional Kenwood USB Direct Connection Cable (113KCIP102,
sold separately) or the USB/iPod cable that comes with your iPod/iPhone. Using
either cable allows audio playback, music navigation, information display, and
charging of select iPod/iPhone models from the KDC-HD548U.

iPod/iPhone Audio Playback: The USB connection allows your
iPod/iPhone's large music libraries to be loaded instantly to the headunit and
sound quality to be maximized through the headunit's 24-bit D/A converter,
allowing for a Signal to Noise ratio up to 105dB. The Kenwood headunit supports
audio playback of music files and podcasts stored on your iPod or iPhone.

iPod/iPhone Control: You can choose to control the
iPod/iPhone from the headunit or from your iPod/iPhone's clickwheel or
touchscreen.

Music Browsing: The Kenwood headunit allows you to
navigate your iPod's music by Playlist, Artists, Album, Genre, Composer,
Song, or Podcast. You can search these categories alphabetically or using a
percentage search (0.5%, 1%, 5%, 10%).

Playlists: You can create your own custom iPod/iPhone
playlist (up to 10 songs) from the headunit.

iPod/iPhone Display: The KDC-HD548U will display your
iPod/iPhone's music file information when you are controlling your iPod or
iPhone from the Kenwood headunit. The headunit will display Track number,
Elapsed playing time, Artist name, Song title, and Album label. If you choose to
operate your connected iPod/iPhone via its clickwheel or touchscreen controls,
the KDC-HD548U will not display your iPod/iPhone's music information (the headunit
will instead display iPod MODE).

iTunes Tagging: Using the headunit's iTunes Tagging enabled HD
Radio, you can tag your HD music while listening to the radio with your iPod/iPhone
connected. When you hear a song you enjoy on your local HD Radio station, you
only have to press the headunit's "HD" button" and the song's information will
be saved to your connected iPod/iPhone. The saved songs will then show up in a playlist
called "Tagged" in iTunes the very next time you sync your iPod to your PC. Then
you just need to click, buy, and download the song you tagged directly from the
Apple iTunes Music Store. This unit can store up to 50 Tags.

iPod/iPhone Charging: While connected and the ignition
switch is set to ACC or ON, the headunit's USB connection will power and charge
your iPod/iPhone.

Note: If your iPod/iPhone has no initial battery charge,
then the unit will not recognize it.

iPod/iPhone Compatibility Chart: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U is
"Made for iPod/iPhone" compatible and supports the following iPod/iPhone model
features (as of January 2011):

iPod/iPhone Model

Generation

Tested Version

Media Type

Control Type

Display Type

iTunes Tagging

Charge

Audio

Video

Headunit

iPod/iPhone

Song/Artist Text

Track Info

dock connector

3rd

N/A

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

clickwheel
color

4th

N/A

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

mini

1st

N/A

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

2nd

N/A

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

N

video

5th

1.3

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

classic

80GB

1.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

120GB

2.0.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

160GB

2.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

nano

1st

1.3.1

Y

N

Y

N

Y

Y

N

Y

2nd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

N

Y

3rd

1.1.3

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4th

1.0.4

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

5th

1.0.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

6th

1.0 PC

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

touch

1st

2.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

2nd

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

3rd

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4th

4.2.1

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

iPhone

2G

3.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

3G

3.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

3GS

3.1.2

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

4

4.0

Y

N

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Y

Note: Apple iPod/iPhone software updates may
change functionality results. If you download a newer software
version, you may need to reset the headunit and your iPod/iPhone to
regain functionality. If this doesn't work, you may need to revert
to the older software version or wait until a newer software update
is available.

Aux In: The unit is equipped with a front panel 3.5mm
minijack auxiliary input that can be used to input audio from a portable audio
source, such as a portable MP3 player. The Aux input must be turned on to
function. The unit has 3 auxiliary input modes.

On1: Outputs the sound of the external unit connected
to the Aux terminal when switched to the Aux source.

On2: Activates the attenuator function when turning on
the power with the auxiliary source selected. This prevents the noise when
no external unit is connected to the Aux terminal. Turn off the attenuator
function when listening to output from an external unit.

Off: Disables the selection of the Aux source.

Auxiliary Display: The KDC-HD548U allows you to select the
source type displayed when using the auxiliary input. You can choose from AUX,
DVD, Portable, Game, Video, or TV.

Remote Control

Wireless Remote Control: The KDC-HD548U comes with an IR
remote control (RC-405) for wireless operation of the headunit. The remote will
control Audio, CD, USB, and Tuner functions. It is powered by a single CR2025 3V
lithium-cell battery (supplied).

Numeric Keypad: The wireless remote control features a
numeric keypad (0-9) which allows direct track access of your music tracks &
files (from CD or USB), as well as AM/FM presets.

Attenuator: The CD receiver features an Attenuator button on
the supplied remote control that turns the volume down very quickly with one
touch of the button.

Steering Wheel Remote Compatibility: The head unit also
features an OEM steering wheel remote control input wire (blue/yellow) within
the included wiring harness that lets you keep your vehicle's factory radio
steering wheel remote controls when used with the optional PAC SWI-RC Steering
Wheel Control Interface Adapter (541SWIRC,
sold separately); or the optional Metra ASWC Steering Wheel Control Interface
Adapter (120ASWC,
sold separately).

Optional Software

Music Editor Compatible: The Kenwood KDC-HD548U supports the
PC application, Kenwood Music Editor Lite (ver.1.1). Kenwood Music
Editor Lite is a Windows-based desktop software that helps organize, manage and transfer
MP3 and WMA music files to your USB devices from your PC. When you playback audio
files that have been stored on your USB device using Kenwood Music Editor Lite through this unit, you can search a file by title, album, or artist name using the headunit's Music Search function.

System Requirements: The Kenwood Music Editor Light
(ver.1.1) Windows-based software
can be downloaded for free from Kenwood.com to your PC. The Kenwood Music Editor Light is compatible with
the following Windows Microsoft Operating Systems.

Windows XP Professional, Home Edition SP2 or later (32-bit)

Windows Vista (32/64-bit)

Windows 7 (32/64-bit)

Our Product Research Team

At Crutchfield, you'll get detailed, accurate information that's hard to
find elsewhere. That's because we have our own in-house Product Research
team. They verify what’s in the box, check the owner's manual, and record
dimensions, features and specs. We stay on top of new products and technologies
to help people make informed choices.

* Agree to Terms
By checking this box you agree your review becomes the property of Crutchfield,
that you are over 18 years of age, that you own or have owned this product, and
that you are located within the United States or its territories. Please see our
Review Guidelines for more information. We reserve the right (but are not
obligated to) review all submissions and edit or remove any review in any manner
which we deem necessary. Your review should be posted within seven days.

Not my old Kenwood

I've had this unit installed for a year and a half. First the cd player stopped working, then the clock started resetting itself randomly. Then the usb port stopped working, and now the whole unit is DOA. I have owned Kenwood products for years and had very good luck with them, BUT this one has failed big time. I would not recommend it period.

Great sound and features

The stereo sounds great and includes excellent features. I like the fact that it can play .m4a files so that I don't have to convert itunes files to be able to play them in the car on a USB drive. It displays title and artist info on HD radio too, but not on regular FM.

Pros:Plays and controls ipod. Plays songs from USB drive. Great sound. Great price. Easy to install with Crutchfield kit.

Cons:Selecting tracks by using the knob is a bit difficult, especially when the car is moving. I would have preferred red lighting to match my car. Lighting does not dim.

Experience- This was my first shopping experience with Crutchfield. I doubted wether or not to buy through Crutchfield due to other electronic websites and local Los Angeles Wholesale markets. But, overall glad I did; Received the product the same week, Shipping was free, on top of all that I got all the accessories stated in my order. Had a little trouble with the installation, called my rep, ad figured out that I received the wrong Kit for my vehicle. They sent me a new one out free of charge even though it was my fault why I received the wrong one. Overall, it is definitely worth the value at Crutchfield.

Review- CD Player is awesome, sleek, simple to use and understand. I've only used Sony Xplod, but I'm tired of the bold look and toyish designs they have, so I tried Kenwood for the first time. Others seemed to have some issues with this unit, seemed 1 of 5 reviews had some negativity. I have not experienced this yet, been listening to it for 1 week now.

Don't bother

Written By Dennis, Charleston, SC on Friday, March 09, 2012

"Coolness Factor"

Build Quality

Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Value

Faceplate issues. I should have read thru all the comments more thoroughly first. When I first installed it,everything was fine, for a while. If you push the function knob, the display will fade in-and-out and becomes non-responsive and erratic. If you apply pressure to the left side of the faceplate, the problem goes way. I called Crutchfield. They sent me a replacement unit. I replaced the faceplate, but not the entire head unit. I probably should have replaced the head unit, however, because the problem started to happen again about a day later. I will be calling them again to get this replace. This time going to go with something else, or a refund. Would recommend pulling this product.

Faceplate Issues

Thought this would be a nice head unit for my 2003 Durango R/T but it has major issues with the build quality and faceplate connectivity. When you push any of the buttons on the front of the unit the screen fades in and out and takes a few seconds to respond. You learn to deal with it but gets really annoying after a while. Called crutchfield and got a JVC replacement. Looking forward to not having to deal with the unresponsiveness of the Kenwood.

Time will tell

I don't know how useful this comment will be, perhaps it's too soon to tell. But, the right-front speaker was out in my wife's car was out, plus half of the illumination lights were out on the factory head unit. I assumed the head unit was bad. My top priority, since it was my wife's car was something simple because I think my wife's expectations of a car's stereo is an alarm clock that shows the time with a couple big knobs and six programmable buttons, that's it. I installed this unit, I like it, but unfortunately the problem must have not been the head unit because the right-front speaker still did not work. Anyway, the next morning I warned (or informed) my wife that you have a new stereo in your car so don't get excited. After the wife left for work, about 10 minutes I get a phone call, "where's the clock display? how do you turn this thing off?" Long story short, OEM head units have their drawbacks, but one thing they excel at is intuitiveness and ease of use. The jury is still out on this one. Personally, I like it. But for all you men out there who are replacing the stereo in the car of your signficant other.......good luck.

Pros:?

Cons:Not able to tune the radio channels with a knob. Where's the clock display?

Excellent

Kenwood & Crutchfield Is there anymore I need to say! I have owned Kenwood products for many many years and never had a problem with any piece of equiptment I have owned. I installed this radio in a 99 Dodge Ram pick up , After putting the wireing harness together it took a whole 10 min. to install sounds good and looks good! Best part was the built in HD radio very good quality! As of this date 2 /12 the price $ 159.99 and free shipping Thank You Crutchfield Also Thank You Crutchfield team for being so prefessional and quick shipping.

Great Product

I have had the product for only about 2 weeks. Looks great. Would recommend. Sounds Amazing. Idk if it is the HD radio or just a new receiver over my old stock radio, but i can truly hear the difference. The iPhone hookup is great. Haven't used it more than a few times, but works pretty good. Only con, in sunlight can't really see the time on the display.

Good product, great value!

Great product so far. Had an issue with the deck flickering at first. I contacted crutchfield support and they helped me track down the problem (it was my fault and was a connection I hadn't made properly). It works great now and the support was a wonderful help. I will get any new futer deck from crutchfield.

Pros:Great product for the price. Outstanding sound quality even with stock speakers. Clarity of sound in HD is unreal!

Cons:HD signal does not always come in well in all locations. This is typical of HD signal on all decks. It hangs up a little when I remove the faceplate.

Continued detatchable face issues

Written By Chris, Cincinnati on Monday, January 30, 2012

"Coolness Factor"

Build Quality

Ease of Use

Sound Quality

Value

Not happy with Kenwood's build quality on this model. When touching any button on the faceplate, the entire display fades completely out and then back in. Pushing and holding the faceplate inward on the lower left-hand corner "temporarily" resolves the issue. Taking off the faceplate and reseating/reconnecting it does not help at all.

I'm on my 3rd one and it too has the same problem which is getting worse every day.

Judging by a few others, they are experiencing the same issue too.

I just called crutchfield again and i'm switching this out for a different model that should be in stock within the next few weeks.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

Upgraded, an existing unit in a mid size sailboat. Locks in to HD radio, much better sound than earlier aftermarket receiver CD players, buttons are small but function well. Most functions setting are in the big knob. Found MP3 files on my thumb drive even though that I have many other docs, pix & files on it. Most likely use the remote onboard from the cockpit unless it gets lost by a family member. I assume replacements could be available from the Mfg. Overall a good unit with all the features to source music from.

Pros:Overall a good unit with all the features to source music from. Good HD tuner ther are several stations in the area

Cons:buttons are small but function well. Most functions setting are in the big knob so you got to know the pushes and turns to navigate the settings.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

I thought the factory radio was a very but it had outdated features. I was not going to replace the factory radio and time soon until I started having problems with the displace and station drop out over bumps. This Kenwood radio was so easy to install with all the extras provided by Crutchfield. My factory radio was no match in performance to the Kenwood radio. I am glad I made the switch.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

I am very happy with both this receiver and my decision to by at Crutchfield. I selected this radio mainly for HD and I wanted a front mount USB port. The sound is good and everything works well. I have not experienced any of the face plate problems people have commented on but to be fair I don't use the CD at all and I don't take the faceplate off then I park the car.

The USB port works well (my main reason for choosing this unit). The USB port is limited to 256 songs in a folder, so you are forced to put your music in multiple folders. My only complaint is that it's fairly complicated to select folders (I printed that part from the manual and keep it in the car). There is a "Random All" setting that I think randomly plays songs from all folders, so that's what I use.

I was concerned about buying a Kendood, but after a couple of months...so far so good.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

Pleasently surprised by how good this radio is...I am a talk show radio listener, and this radio has THE BEST AM section I have ever heard....picking up distant stations that othere radios leave in the noise...simple to operate...not lot of "click thrus" to get what you want...sounds good even with flat settings.

Pros:simple to use .... has a great AM section.....sounds good with out having to go crazy with EQ settings....unlike other digital radios, you can set this one to stay on analogue making it easier to listen to distant stations.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

HD Radio sounds great but it goes out sometimes like Satellite Radios and it is annoying... Trying to use my iPod in the USB Port is also annoying trying to figure out how it all works (you need a very good memory)... So I use the pigtail port for it so I can control my iPod from the iPod and not the radio...

Pros:Sounds great!!! I also like the extra radio stations with the HD!!!

Cons:Way too complicated for me to use with all you have to remember... I have keep going back to the manual to use it...

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

This is a great replacement for my factory Tacoma radio. The sound is great, and works well with the 15 year old factory speakers. I did, however, replace the speakers with polk audio db's, also from Crutchfield. The install was a little tricky,however, because the wiring harness and instructions were not exactly correct for my truck. I ended up frying my rheostat for the dash lights, and at first had none at all. If you hook up the harness as instructed, you will not have any dash lights. I ended up having to use my ohm meter and re-wiring one wire so that my dash lights would work. I wish the usb and aux inputs were at the back, so that I could hide my wires a little better, but it's not an issue, just personal preference.

Pros:Sound, install, tech support

Cons:Wiring could be a little tricky. I would say to call tech support first, even though instructions are pretty clear.

Source Switches Randomly

I recently purchased this unit, and was quite pleased with how it was working, until, while listening to a song using the USB, the unit switched to CD. At first I thought I pressed the steering control by mistake, but soon I discovered that the source was just randomly changing on its own. I don't know how to stop this from happening, so if anyone knows, or is having the same issue, please help. I just hate it when I'm in the middle of a good song, and it just switches on me...PARANORMAL CD RECEIVER!!!

Pros:All of the features: USB, IPOD, AUX, CD, HD...

Cons:The Sources switch RANDOMLY while listening.
[Editor's Note: We forwarded this review to our Technical Support team for follow-up. Lifetime tech support comes with every Crutchfield purchase. ]

Faceplate issues - but easy to operate

I wanted an HD Radio receiver that would also have RBDS, so that Title/Artist would display for stations not running HD. Alas, such a receiver apparently does not exist. I also wanted a unit with station presets. I have the same faceplate issues as other reviewers have mentioned. Being used to factory radios with RDS and dedicated panel buttons for everything, moving to an aftermarket unit with multi-function buttons takes some getting used to. But as aftermarket receivers go, this is EASIER than most to operate. Don't have to go to the manual quite so often for lesser used features. With the limited display space, it can't display time while displaying anything else. Clock has to be manually selected. Don't use the USB but nice to have. Use the aux input all the time for my (separate) XM tuner.

Pros:HD Radio. Easier to use than most aftermarket radios.

Cons:Bad faceplate connectivity. No RDBS. Clock display has to be manually selected at the expense of Title/Artist.

what happened to you kenwood?

i went through 2 of these units in under 3-4 weeks(crutchfield is awesome by the way for their costumer service). First one did not read cds and had a loose usb port in front that played static y and poping music, also frequently lost connection with my ipod. the replacment unit i was sent played cds and did not have a static y signal thru the usb port, but this unit also lost connection with my ipod and never remembered where the music left off once i turned the engine off(very annoying). I paid 4 more dollarsand purchased a comparable clarion(very happy)

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

Overall, the unit sounds great and a good value. I like the ability to use a usb device. When listening to HD radio, you either have the signal or you don't. There is no signal fade. I installed this in the factory radio location on a Toyota Sienna. From the driver's seat I can only see the lower half of the display. So I have to lean over to read the letters on the display. I usually use the remote to navigate through the music files. It's too distracting to use the controls on the head unit, while I'm driving. It's just not very user friendly. My next purchase will definitely be a double din unit with a touchscreen. I would be more satisfied if this unit was installed in a different vehicle with a better line of sight.

Pros:HD radio sounds awesome.

Cons:Navigating through the music files on a flash drive is not user friendly.

Kenwood KDC-HD548U

This is my 5th Kenwood (4th in my car). Overall the unit is easy to use and program. HD radio picks up well. Love the iTunes tagging feature as well as being able to play my iPod or another device.

Pros:I have the previous model of this radio in my car. Liked it so much I bought this one to replace an Alpine in my truck. Love the HD radio and the ipod and accessory controls. Tagging feature is great.

Cons:Just like many of the reviews, I have also had the issue of poor connectivity between the faceplate and the radio. When I touch a button the lights will go out for a second or two and then come back on.

Nice Unit, Bad Connection to Face Plate

My experience with the head unit is exactly like the previous reviewer's.

The unit sounds great and was easy to install. However, the connection between the face plate and the head unit is bad.

Periodically, when any button is pressed, the display turns off and the button does nothing. In a second or two everything comes back to normal. If I hold in the left side of the face plate, the buttons work fine.

Crutchfield sent me a replacement unit and I have tried both face plates in both head units and the results are the same in all cases. Its a shame because it really is a good unit for a great price.

great product - poor detachable face connection

My only gripe with this unit is continued problems with the detachable face (referred to as DF from now on). With the first unit I received, the display would fade out one level in brightness and then go out completely every time i touched ANY button. reseating the DF made no difference. If i push in (and hold) the DF on the bottom left-hand corner, all works fine.

Crutchfield promptly sent me a replacement and it initially did not have the same issue. It took about 10 days before the DF started to have the same issue.

I am going to contact Crutchfield again to see what we can do about getting another 548U or possibly paying the $$ to go to the next model up.

Pros:Easy install in 2001 Civic, great sound for the money,HD Radio,Cool blue buttons,easy access to all of the features and settings

hd radio by kenwood ... kenwoods back

Written By r, livermore, ca on Monday, October 24, 2011

Awesome sound for the money ! ... Sounded 200% better than the 2001 Honda factory radio i replaced and on the same factory speakers. At first I was not sure if would be enough to drive the speakers... but this baby can put out some power,,, don't need no external amps. The antenna can be hard to get in the ...box. Installation a snap, however for honda the color codes are different. Better to wire by pin and function. The color code of the adapter supplied by CF was same colors for respective pins. Nice color leds. One peeve is i wish Kenwood put a feature for HD to pick up and scan ONLY hd stations. One puzzle is that on some HD stations I still get some background noise even in HD sync mode... I thought this would be gone with digital or filtered out. The buttons can be cumbersome for someone like myself who has larger fingers. three band equilizer leaves you wanting more... but for what it is has great sound. Fits like a glove with CF supplied dash kit.Another peeve is i wish could control the dimmer directly by lights on ... It has a manual dimmer function, but would be nice if did itself when lights went on. Living in San Fran Bay area i was hoping to pick up allot more stations with increased range, but it has been limited. again for refurb unit it rocks. CD player kicks took with bass. Not sure why radio does not read cd codes for artist/title.... mine just shows track number. Overall happy with choice being on a budget HD upgrade in these times.

Awful AM Reception

Written By Bill, Philadelphia, PA on Saturday, October 22, 2011

This is a great FM HD receiver, however Kenwood cheaped out on the AM reception module.

My old car had an eXcelon X389 in it and the AM reception was just as good as the OEM radio that it replaced. The AM receiver in the KDC-HD548U is trash and can't get anything, which is a shame because there is HD tech for the AM stations as well.

Other than the AM complaint, I have no complaints about the HD FM and iPhone performance so 4/5.

Definitely worth the money

This really is a great radio for the money. I've noticed this receiver makes even not-so-great speakers sound better. I have bought two of them now and the only problem I've had was a manufactures defect with the faceplate on the second one that I purchased. Called Crutchfield and they were happy to exchange it and they shipped me another one at no cost for shipping. Great customer service!

Great replacement for stock '04 Toyota Corolla stereo

The Kenwood KDC-HD548U features excellent sound quality even when hooked up to the stock Corolla speakers. The interface is clean and uncluttered. The only disadvantage is the lack of a rear USB port - I would have liked to run a USB cable through a discrete location (such as out of the bottom of the center console) instead of having a USB cable dangling out of the front.

Not bad for functionality and sound

I really enjoy this head unit! The EQ adjustments are great and the HD Radio is awsome when I finally get a channel to use it. My area HD Radio is not big yet, but when I go out-of-town those stations are crystal clear! The only drawback is when connecting an ipod to this unit. I like to use my ipod "hands on" by this head unit. It takes a while for the unit to load the ipod. I just don't like the time it takes to load the ipod and every time you either stop to do something or you turn the radio off, the unit doesn't remember the previous settings. Overall this head unit is very good for the price and the brand Kenwood is all in itself! I will buy another head unit from Kenwood and Crutchfield in the future!

Good Choice

I chose this unit over similarly equipped and priced units from competitors and am happy I did. The main reason for choosing the Kenwood is the longer display on the unit. More of the track title, less scrolling. Overall I am very happy with the unit. The display is great, the button configuration is great, it looks good, the HD works great and the stereo is very easy and intuitive to use. Just plug in my ipod and it works!

Couple of reasons I didn't give it five stars are:

1) The unit only controls the ipod audio through itunes, not other apps. Audio from other apps will play through the stereo just fine but if you push the play/pause/next buttons it goes back to the itunes audio. The text displayed is the always the track listing from itunes also.

2) The connection with the detachable face goes haywire occasionally. Just detach the face and then push it back into place and it works great, just a minor annoyance.

3) I couldn't get AM to work. May have been something I did wrong. Again, just a minor annoyance as I rarely listen to AM and mostly just wanted this for ipod connectivity.